Soleduck, WA

Soleduck

Soleduck
Photo of John Ross by Tom O'Keefe taken 26NOV1999 @ 3.3'

Gauge Information

River Description

FUN FACT: Good continuous class III+ boating with some fun IV rapids and a couple great play spots

SEASON: Winter rain storms. Generally best when rivers are moderately high.

PUT-IN: Salmon Cascade

TAKEOUT: FR 2918 (South Fork Soleduck Road) bridge

LOGISTICS: At mile 219.2 on Highway 101 take Soleduck Hot Springs Road south into Olympic National Park. The takeout can be reached at mile 4.2. You need to walk across the vegetated strip between Soleduck Hot Springs Road and FS 2918 to get to the bridge, but it's a short hike with boats (the two roads are connected at mile 3.6, but it's gated). The put-in is at mile 7.3 at the viewing area for Salmon Cascade. An alternative put-in is available upstream at the bridge near Olympic Hot Springs resort. Note that Soleduck Hot Springs road is typically closed with the first big snow and left closed until plowing at Hurricane Ridge stops. Check with Olympic National Park for the latest conditions. The Forest Service Road (FR 2918) on river left is left open so as long as the snow isn't too bad you can get almost as far as Salmon Cascade before the river starts to cut up hill away from the river. They usually know the situation at the Resource Information Center in Forks 360-374-7566.

DESCRIPTION: Although you can start higher up, the best whitewater really begins at Salmon Cascade. This class V drop has been run, but it's a little grungy and has a scary looking wall on river right. If you are putting in higher up it's worth a stop to check this drop out so you can plan your run or portage route accordingly. Most put in at the base of Salmon Cascade and enjoy continuous whitewater action all the way to the bridge. It's mostly continuous class III+ with a few class IV sections. Most of the run consists of endless boulder gardens. Everything of course cranks up a notch as the water rises, but most of the river is read and run. One of the last rapids is difficult to scout from your boat and you may find it necessary to take a look from shore. A large hole develops right of center that most will want to avoid. There are good eddies and some nice play spots at the bottom of this drop. Those who wish to lengthen the run can continue down as far as they want to one of the access points along Highway 101. The river backs of a notch in difficulty to class III after the FR 2918 Bridge.

lat/long approximated by Tiger map server

photo credit: John Ross at the last big drop on the Upper Soleduck, shot by Tom O'Keefe

for additional information see

• Korb, G. 1997. A paddlers guide to the Olympic Peninsula. third edition.
• local expert: Gary Korb & Carol Volk, 4930 Geiger Road, Port Orchard, WA 98366, 206-876-6780
• Bennett, J. and T. Bennett. 1997. A guide to the whitewater rivers of Washington, second edition. Swiftwater Publishing. Portland, OR.
• Olympic National Park web site
• Pacific Ranger District, North - USFS Olympic National Forest web site